Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, who concluded her career with the U.S. national soccer team late last year after securing a gold medal at the Paris Olympics, has been recognized as the 2024 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year.
The 36-year-old Naeher has demonstrated her steady presence on the field and becomes only the second goalkeeper to receive this prestigious honor, following in the footsteps of Hope Solo who won the award back in 2009.
Earlier in her career, Naeher was awarded the FIFA Best Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, showcasing her exceptional talent and contributions to the sport.
In November, she made the announcement regarding her retirement from the national team after an impressive 11-year tenure, with her final appearances coming against England and the Netherlands in Europe.
Naeher played a crucial role as the starting goalkeeper for the U.S. squad during their victorious campaigns at the 2019 Women’s World Cup and the recent 2024 Olympics. Notably, she is the only U.S. goalkeeper to have recorded a shutout in both a World Cup and an Olympic final.
Her standout performance in the Olympic final was marked by a critical one-handed save in stoppage time, which ensured the Americans’ narrow 1-0 win over Brazil. Throughout the tournament, she achieved a total of four shutouts.
In 2024, Naeher allowed just 11 goals, concluding the season with an impressive 13-1-3 record. Over her career with the national team, she participated in 115 matches, maintaining 69 clean sheets.
Expressing her gratitude, Naeher stated, “This is an incredible honor, to cap off what has been a very special year with this team. This team is made up of a special group of players, coaches, and staff, and all year you could feel that energy and that we had the opportunity to achieve something great. I was inspired all year long by my incredible teammates; the work we put in, the commitment to the team and our goals, and all of their love and support.”
After debuting with the national team in 2014 as a senior player, Naeher served as a backup to Solo during the 2015 World Cup, where the U.S. triumphed. Following the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in 2016, she became the team’s primary goalkeeper.
Though she has retired from international play, Naeher will continue her career for one more season with her club, Chicago Stars, in the National Women’s Soccer League.
For the recent recognition, Naeher received 40.8% of the overall vote. The selection process involved contributions from national team coaches and players, NWSL coaches, U.S. Soccer board and athlete council members, various media representatives, and the fan community.
Defender Naomi Girma, who was honored last year, secured the second position this time around with 32.2% of the vote.
